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Laptop won't boot can access bios nor boot options

In all my life have never ever encounter a problem like this. Basically friend brought a laptop over I can't access the bios I pressed every f button and also did safe mode I could not access her computer (freezes when Windows loading). So basically I can't reformat the drive and install Windows. How can you install Windows if you can't access the bios? Also the boot options show up but it just blinks (by pressing escape repeatably) and in a second its gone so I could not do nothing. How exactly can you fix this? I called Samsung and they told me it was something with the hardrive and have to do a factory install from there end. I also thought maybe taking off the cmos batter would do the trick, but I don't want to open it up and than be liable for breaking it. If I can recall though back in school I believe there is a way to install the bios manually, but I think I did that with a floppy.

Try to press and hold the esc key for three seconds, then when asked to hit the F1 key.

I would also make sure that nothing is plugged into the laptop (usb). I had a system that wouldn't boot.. fooled with it for hours, then realized that my ipod was causing windows not to boot correctly, disconnected, and booted!

If they purchased this recently, I would vote next that they make a trip to the store for a new one. This is irregular, and may indicate hardware failure.

"Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, I am required to advise you that if there is any tax advice contained herein, it is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by the addressee or any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code." Stolen from someone, forgot who...

1. Power off the laptop, disconnect the charger, remove the main battery (not the cmos battery)
2. press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds to remove any residual electrical charge in the laptop.
3. remove the RAM stick(s) and the HDD -- if you're unsure how to do this consult the manual -- don't worry you won't break anything.
4. Install 1 stick of RAM, power-on the laptop and immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS. If you still cannot access the BIOS try swapping RAM, try the RAM in different slots.

Please post back with your results and we'll help you out from there. Good luck.

Try to press and hold the esc key for three seconds, then when asked to hit the F1 key.

I would also make sure that nothing is plugged into the laptop (usb). I had a system that wouldn't boot.. fooled with it for hours, then realized that my ipod was causing windows not to boot correctly, disconnected, and booted!

If they purchased this recently, I would vote next that they make a trip to the store for a new one. This is irregular, and may indicate hardware failure.

Omg.. I just did that and access bios I feel like a complete noob see if I can fix the computer now rep!

Quote
from davepry
:

1. Power off the laptop, disconnect the charger, remove the main battery (not the cmos battery)
2. press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds to remove any residual electrical charge in the laptop.
3. remove the RAM stick(s) and the HDD -- if you're unsure how to do this consult the manual -- don't worry you won't break anything.
4. Install 1 stick of RAM, power-on the laptop and immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS. If you still cannot access the BIOS try swapping RAM, try the RAM in different slots.

Please post back with your results and we'll help you out from there. Good luck.

Just read your post did what rox told me to do and was able to access I was gona test the ram out next (although like I said I don't wanna fiddle with the computer since its not mine) will update if I fix issue thanks guys!

no, this is a dumb feature, you were doing what you were supposed to do. Toshiba?

Actually its a Samsung, makes me not want to buy a Samsung (although I only hear good things from there TVs and smartphone). Anyhow update I was finally able to boot up the cd however when going to the boot install it would just freeze up (you know black screen says "windows loading files" than it shows the windows logo and ongoing). The computer had issues with the connector so it was opened up my guess is the person somehow messed up the hardrive since I feel thats the issue (maybe short circuit or not careful and damaging the HD itself). I told her best way to fix it I believe is swap the hardrive and it should do the trick. Thanks for the help atleast I can clear my head that I was able to do the most on my side.